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Pennsylvania's top 10 endangered artifacts

A statewide effort is being made to save some pieces of Pennsylvania's history through an online campaign. With the click of a mouse, you can help.

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts asked nonprofits throughout the state to nominate artifacts that are in need of conservation. Sixty entries were submitted. An independent review panel chose the following 10 artifacts from those entries.

Garments Handmade by Faith CommunityInstitution: Old Economy VillageHometown: Ambridge, Beaver CountyDescription: "A ceremonial coat and cap made for George Rapp (1757-1847), leader of the Harmonists, showcases the craftsmanship of this community known for its successful industrial enterprises."

16th-Century Family BibleInstitution: Mennonite Heritage CenterHometown: Harleysville, Montgomery CountyDescription: "Froschauer Bible from 1536 with rare illuminated Fraktur bookplate and genealogical record that documents the flight from religious persecution by the Bachmans, a family of Mennonite immigrants."

Butterfly SpecimensInstitution: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversityHometown: PhiladelphiaDescription: "Two 18th-century butterfly specimens represent the oldest entomological specimens in the Americas and provide an example of an ingenious early method of preservation."

Passmore Williamson visitors' bookInstitution: Chester County Historical SocietyHometown: West Chester, Chester CountyDescription: "Passmore Williamson's visitors' book contains the signatures of Frederick Douglass and hundreds of notable supporters of the imprisoned Quaker, a hero of the abolitionist movement."

Bust of President Abraham LincolnInstitution: Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage MuseumHometown: ScrantonDescription: "Sculpted by noted African-American artist C. Edgar Patience, the bust of President Lincoln is made from anthracite coal, one of Pennsylvania's most valuable natural resources."

Philadelphia CornucopiaInstitution: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine ArtsHometown: PhiladelphiaDescription: "The figures from Philadelphia Cornucopia, a mixed media environment created in 1982 by Red Grooms, are a unique celebration of the city's 300-year history."

Earliest known U.S. Free Frank signed by President WashingtonInstitution: American Philatelic SocietyHometown: Bellefonte, Centre CountyDescription: "Signed by George Washington, this letter is the earliest known instance of a special privilege extended to the head of state of the new nation."